Gaging device and method

ABSTRACT

A gaging and location device and method of using same for use in locating anchor fasteners in concrete poured within a form wherein the device includes a base plate constructed and arranged to be selectively attached to the form before the concrete is poured, the base plate defining a plurality of apertures therethrough having a location corresponding to the desired spacing of the fasteners, indicator means on the base plate having a predetermined location with respect to the plurality of apertures for alignment with the inside edge of the form to selectively locate the apertures with respect to the form, and bushing means carried by the base plate about the apertures and defining a central passage therein aligned with the apertures for receiving the fasteners therein and supporting the fasteners at a predetermined location with respect to the form while the concrete is poured. The method of using the device includes the steps of placing the concrete forms, inserting the threaded end of the fasteners through the apertures and passages in the device, threading a nut onto the end of the fastener protruding above the bushing means until the end of the fastener is flush with the outermost side of the nut, and attaching the device to the form so that the indicator means is aligned with the inside edge of the form.

limited States Patent [191 Mullin et al.

[ 1 May 29, i973 1 1 GAGIING DEVICE AND METHOD [75] Inventors: Richard W. Mullln, Columbus, (3a.;

David L. Robb, Sanford, Fla.

[73] Assignee: insulation Corporation of America,

Columbus, Ga.

[22] Filed: Feb. 17, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 116,139

[52] [1.8. CI. ..249/91 [51] llnt. C1. ..B28d 7/04 [58] Field oi Search ..248/200; 269/7, 36,

269/47, 95, 307, 309, 321 F, 321 ME, 321 S, 321 W; 249/91, 219

[56] References Cited Primary ExaminerGranville Y. Custer, Jr. Att0meyB. J. Powell [57] ABSTRACT A gaging and location device and method of using same for use in locating anchor fasteners in concrete poured within a form wherein the device includes a base plate constructed and arranged to be selectively attached to the form before the concrete is poured, the base plate defining a plurality of apertures therethrough having a location corresponding to the desired spacing of the fasteners, indicator means on the base plate having a predetermined location with respect to the plurality of apertures for alignment with the inside edge of the form to selectively locate the apertures with respect to the form, and bushing means carried by the base plate about the apertures and defining a central passage therein aligned with the apertures for receiving the fasteners therein and supporting the fasteners at a predetermined location with respect to the form while the concrete is poured.

The method of using the device includes the steps of placing the concrete forms, inserting the threaded end of the fasteners through the apertures and passages in the device, threading a nut onto the end of the fastener protruding above the bushing means until the end of the fastener is flush with the outermost side of the nut, and attaching the device to the form so that the indicator means is aligned with the inside edge of the form.

5 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented May 29, 1973 3,735,954

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the construction of pre-fabricated buildings, the concrete floor slab is usually poured with the anchor fasteners embedded in the slab to anchor the main building supports on the slab. Because the building is pre-fabricated the dimensions of the pre-fabricated parts are fixed when received at the job site. This requires that the location and positioning of the fasteners used to anchor the building to the concrete floor slab be accurately maintained.

One method used to locate the anchor fasteners during the pouring of the concrete floor slab has been to drill holes through boards, insert the fasteners through these holes, and then attach the boards to the floor forms so that the ends of the fasteners to be embedded in the concrete slab be below the surface of the slab when it is poured. Because mostly unskilled and semiskilled labor is used to erect pre-fabricated buildings, the dimension tolerances necessary to properly position the fasteners could not be maintained. This necessitated removal of the fasteners from the hardened concrete slab, formation of properly located holes in the floor slab to receive the fastener, and re-embedding of the fasteners in the slab in their proper location. Such a technique is not only slow but also expensive due to the extra man-hours required to re-locate the fasteners and also produces an inferior anchor between the building and floor slab.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art are overcome by the invention disclosed herein by providing a gaging and location device which accurately and easily locates the anchor fasteners in the concrete floor slab so that the building supports can be attached thereto without the use of skilled labor. Further, the invention provides a technique for properly exposing the fastener from the floor slab to insure that the building can be attached to the floor slab with the fasteners.

The apparatus of the invention includes a gaging de vice with a base plate defining at least one aperture therethrough with a bushing around the aperture and indicator means on the base plate for locating the device on the concrete forms. The aperture and the opening through the bushing are just sufficient to receive the proper size fastener therethrough to be embedded in the floor slab and the combined height of the base plate and the bushing is sufficient to furnish the proper exposure of the fastener from the floor slab. The bushing may have locking means thereon to selectively retain the fastener in the device while the concrete is being poured.

The method of the invention includes preparing a form for a concrete floor slab to be poured, inserting the threaded end of the fastener to be embedded in the floor slab in the passage through a bushing of predetermined height on a gaging device, threading a nut onto that end of the threaded portion of the fastener protruding through the bushing until the end of the nut is flush with the end of the fastener, aligning the indicator means on the gaging device with the inside of the form to locate the gaging device and the fastener and attaching the gaging device to the form in this position, and

pouring the concrete floor slab.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following specification and accompanying drawings wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a prefabricated building structure with which the invention is used;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 33 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 55 in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4.

These figures and the following detailed description disclose specific embodiments of the invention, however, it is to be understood that the inventive concept 'is not limited thereto since it may be embodied in other forms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS Referring particularly to FIG. 1, a building structure B is illustrated with which the invention is to be used. Structure B is of the pre-fabricated type in which the supports S which carry the building and its other components (not shown) are made and then shipped to the building site for erection. A concrete floor slab F is poured at the building to carry the supports S. Fasteners X are embedded in the slab F while it is being poured using forms Y. These fasteners X are used to attach the supports S to the slab F through the base plate B? on support S and thus must be accurately located in the slab because the dimensions of the supports S are fixed when they arrive at the building site. The invention is used to accurately locate the fasteners X so that the supports S can be received thereon.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the first embodiment of the invention is a gaging device 10 including a generally rectangular thin base plate 11 with a centerline CL. A first pair of spaced apart apertures 12 are defined through base plate 11 at one end thereof and are centered on a common line L perpendicular to centerline CL. The center to center distance d of apertures 12 along line L, corresponds to the center to center distance of holes H through base plate BP of supports S with which the device 10 is to be used. The apertures 12 also have a diameter D which corresponds to holes H.

A second pair of apertures 14 are defined through base plate 11 at the end opposite apertures 12 and are centered on line L perpendicular to centerline CL. The center to center distance d of apertures 14 along line L corresponds to that of holes H through base plate BP for a size different than that for apertures 12. The apertures 14 have a diameter D corresponding to holes 1-! with a diameter different than apertures 12.

A bushing 15 is carried by the base plate 11 on its upper surface 16 about each of the apertures 12. Each bushing 15 defines a central passage 13 therethrough which has the same diameter D as aperture 12 and is aligned therewith. Similarly, a bushing 19 is carried by the base plate 11 on its upper surface 16 about each of the apertures 14. Bushings 19 each have a passage 20 therethrough with diameter D which is aligned with apertures 14. The height of each bushing 15 or 19 is such that the proper exposure distance d, as seen in FIG. 1 will be produced for the particular fastener X to be used as will be explained.

A first bead 21 extends across the upper surface 16 of base plate 11 perpendicular to centerline CL and a distance E from the line L which corresponds to the proper edge distance for the fastener X to be used in apertures 12 and passages 18. Similarly a second bead 22 extends across the upper surface 16 of base plate 11 perpendicular to centerline CL and a distance E, from line L which corresponds to the proper edge distance for fastener X to be used in apertures 14 and passages 20. A V-shaped notch 24 is provided at each end of each of the beads 21 and 22 to serve in locating the device 10 as will be explained.

Toprovide sufficient strength in the device 10, a pair of reinforcing strips 25 extend between opposed bushings 15 and 19 along the upper surface 16 of base plate 11. These strips 25 strengthen the device 10 in a vertical plane while the base plate 11 is of sufficient width to strengthen the device 10 in a horizontal plane.

In use, the forms Y for the floor slab F are properly positioned. A device 10 is then selected which has the proper size apertures 12 or 14 and the proper size passages 18 or 20 therein to just receive the fastener X to be used in attaching the supports S to the floor slab F and which also has the correct edge distance E,, or E, for the fastener X. The threaded end X, of the fastener X is then inserted through the selected apertures 12 or 14 and passages 18 or 20 from the lower side 26 of base plate 11 and nut X is threaded onto the end X, of fastener X until the outermost end of fastener X is flush with the upper side of nut X as seen in FIG. 3. The combined height h of bushing 15 or 19 and base plate 11 is such that when nut X is in position, the distance d between the outermost end of fastener X to the lower side of base plate 11 is the correct exposure distance for fastener X. The device 10 is then placed on top of form Y so that the bead 21 or 22 and notches 24 associated with those apertures 12 or 14 and passages 18 or 20 is aligned with the inside surface Y, of the form at the location along the form at which the fasteners X are to be located. The device 10 is then attached to the form Y through pre-formed holes 28 in base plate 11 with fasteners 29.

In the above position, the lower surface 26 is aligned with the upper surface P when the slab F is poured. The heads X,, of fasteners X extend below device 10 so that they will be embedded in slab F when it is poured.

After the floor slab F is poured, the nuts X are removed and then the device 10 removed from the form so that the upper surface F of floor slab F can be finished in normal manner. Thus, the proper location of fasteners X is insured so that the supports S can be easily attached to the floor slab F with fasteners X.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, the second embodiment 110 of the invention includes a generally l-shaped base plate 111 with a first pair of spaced apart bushings 115 on one end of plate 111 and a second pair of spaced apart bushings 119 on the other end of the plate. Plate 111 corresponds to plate 11 on device 10 while bushings 115 and bushings 119 correspond in spacing to bushings 15 and bushings 19 respectively along lines L, and L' Thus, it will be seen that the device 110 I- cates fasteners X similarly to the device 10.

The inside edges 121 and 122 of the end portions of the base plate 111 correspond in location with respect to the lines L and L respectively as beads 21 and 22 with lines L and L Reinforcing strips 125 connect opposed bushings 115 and 119 like strips 25 connect bushings 15 and 19.

Bushings 115 define constant diameter passages 118 therein which open through the lower surface 126 of plate 111 and which are closed at their upper ends by end wall 130 of bushing 115. The passages 118 have diameters D, corresponding to diameter D, for the device 10. The length d of passages in bushings 115 is the correct exposure distance for the fastener X to be used therewith.

Each bushing 115 defines horizontally extending slots 131 in opposite sides thereof which open into passage 118. When fastener X is inserted into passage 118 with its threaded end X, first, it is moved until the end abuts end wall 130. A U-shaped clip 132 is inserted through slots 131 in each bushing 115 to grip the fastener and hold it in place as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The clip 132 includes a pair of gripping legs 134 joined by a resilient web 135 that forces the legs 134 toward each other. Each leg 134 has an extension 136 thereon adapted to be grasped and forced together to force the legs 134 apart. Each leg 134 has an inwardly protruding pad 138 which extends into slot 131 to grip the threaded end X, of fastener X. The pads 138 may be grooved as at 139 to facilitate gripping the threaded 611d X1.

Likewise bushings 119 define constant diameter passages 120 therein closed at their upper ends by end walls 140. Passages 120 have diameters D corresponding to diameters D, in device 10. Horizontally extending slots 141 are provided through the bushings 119 to receive the clip 132 similarly to bushing 115 to retain the fastener X for the passage 120 in place.

The device 110 is used similarly to the device except that the nut X, is not used. When the floor slab F has been poured, the clips 132 are removed and then the device 110 removed.

By having bushings or 115 with one diameter passages 18 or 118 and bushings 19 or 119 with another diameter passages or 120, each device 10 or 110 will have more applications. Also, because a close fit is obtained between the fasteners X and bushings 15, 19, 115 or 119, the fasteners X are supported for a sufficient portion of their length to prevent the fastener from swinging while the floor slab F is being poured.

Moreover, it is to be understood that the arrangement and number of bushings may be varied to meet the particular building specifications as long as the relationship between the beads 21 or 22 or edges 121 or 122 and their associated bushings provide the proper edge distance of the fasteners.

We claim:

1. A support for locating anchor bolts within a concrete form during the pouring of concrete within the form about the anchor bolt wherein the form has a top surface coplanar with the subsequently finished top surface of the concrete poured within the form and an inside surface for forming the edge of the concrete poured within the form, said support comprising:

a base plate defining a planar lower surface and having a longitudinally extending centerline;

a first pair of upstanding bushings formed integral with said base plate and extending upwardly from the upper surface of said base plate adjacent one end thereof, said first bushings centered on a first common path perpendicular to said centerline, one of said first bushings spaced a first prescribed distance from said centerline and the other of said first bushings spaced said first prescribed distance from said centerline on the opposite side thereof of said one of said first bushings;

a second pair of upstanding bushings formed integral with said base plate and extending upwardly from the upper surface of said base plate adjacent that end thereof opposite said one end; said second bushings centered on a second common path per- .pendicular to said centerline, one of said second bushings spaced a second prescribed distance from said centerline and the other of said second bushings spaced said second prescribed distance from said centerline on the opposite side thereof of said one of said second bushings;

a first pair of notches defined in the opposite edges of said base plate and lying along a third common path perpendicular to said centerline, said third path spaced a third prescribed distance from said first path.

a second pair of notches defined in the opposite edges of said base plate and lying along a fourth common path perpendicular to said centerline, said fourth path spaced a fourth prescribed distance from said second path;

each of said first pair of bushings defining a first passage therethrough and through said base plate thereunder perpendicular to said lower surface of said base plate and having a first diameter, and said bushing and said base plate having a first combined height; and,

each of said second pair of bushings defining a second passage therethrough and through said base plate thereunder perpendicular to said lower surface of said base plate and having a second diameter, and said bushing and said base plate having a second combinedheight, said base plate being selectively positioned on said form so that when said lower surface of said plate rests on said top surface of said form and said first pair of notches are aligned with said inside surface of said form, said first pair of bushings are positioned inwardly of said form; and, alternatively, when said lower surface of said plate rests on said top surface of said form and said second pair of notches are aligned with said inside surface of said form, said second pair of bushings are positioned inwardly of said form.

2. The support of claim 1 further including reinforcing members integral with said base plate and said bushings.

3. A support for locating anchor bolts within a concrete form during the pouring of concrete within the form wherein the form has a top surface coplanar with the subsequently finished top surface of the concrete poured within the form and an inside surface for forming the edge of the concrete poured within the form, said support comprising:

a base plate defining a coplanar lower surface positionable on the top surface of the form so that said lower surface is coplanar with the subsequently finished top surface of the concrete poured within the form;

locator means on said base plate selectively alignable with the inside surface of the form for locating said support on the form;

at least one bushing on said base plate extending upwardly from the upper surface of said base plate and located a predetermined distance from said locator means;

a passage defined through said bushing and said base plate;

a wall across the upper end of said bushing closing said passage;

at least one slot defined through the side wall of said bushing and communicating with said passage; and,

a resilient clip including a pad selectively extendable through said slot and into said passage to grip an anchor bolt extending into said passage and retain the anchor bolt in said passage, said pad being constantly urged into said passage through said slot.

4. The support of claim 3 wherein said bushing defines a pair of opposed slots through the side wall of said bushing and communicating with said passage, and wherein said clip includes a pair of pads, one of said pads extendable through each of slots to grip the anchor bolt therebetween, the natural resiliency of said clip constantly urging said pads toward each other.

5. The support of claim 4 wherein said clip further includes extensions connected to said pads for use in forcing said pads apart in opposition to the natural resiliency of said clip to allow said clip to be removed from said slots and release the anchor bolt in said passage. 

1. A support for locating anchor bolts within a concrete form during the pouring of concrete within the form about the anchor bolt wherein the form has a top surface coplanar with the subsequently finished top surface of the concrete poured within the form and an inside surface for forming the edge of the concrete poured within the form, said support comprising: a base plate defining a planar lower surface and having a longitudinally extending centerline; a first pair of upstanding bushings formed integral with said base plate and extending upwardly from the upper surface of said base plate adjacent one end thereof, said first bushings centered on a first common path perpendicular to said centerline, one of said first bushings spaced a first prescribed distance from said centerline and the other of said first bushings spaced said first prescribed distance from said centerline on the opposite side thereof of said one of said first bushings; a second pair of upstanding bushings formed integral with said base plate and extending upwardly from the upper surface of said base plate adjacent that end thereof opposite said one end; said second bushings centered on a second common path perpendicular to said centerline, one of said second bushings spaced a second prescribed distance from said centerline and the other of said second bushings spaced said second prescribed distance from said centerline on the opposite side thereof of said one of said second bushings; a first pair of notches defined in the opposite edges of said base plate and lying along a third common path perpendicular to said centerline, said third path spaced a third prescribed distance from said first path; a second pair of notches defined in the opposite edges of said base plate and lying along a fourth common path perpendicular to said centerline, said fourth path spaced a fourth prescribed distance from said second path; each of said first pair of bushings defining a first passage therethrough and through said base plate thereunder perpendicular to said lower surface of said base plate and having a first diameter, and said bushing and said base plate having a first combined height; and, each of said second pair of bushings defining a second passage therethrough and through said base plate thereunder perpendicular to said lower surface of said base plate and having a second diameter, and said bushing and said base plate having a second combined height, said base plate being selectively positioned on said form so that when said lower surface of said plate rests on said top surface of said form and said first pair of notches are aligned with said inside surface of said form, said first pair of bushings are positioned inwardly of said form; and, alternatively, when said lower surface of said plate rests on said top surface of said form and said second pair of notches are aligned with said inside surface of said form, said second pair of bushings are positioned inwardly of said form.
 2. The support of claim 1 further including reinforcing members integral with said base plate and said bushings.
 3. A support for locating anchor bolts within a concrete form during the pouring of concrete within the form wherein the form has a top surface coplanar with the subsequently finished top surface of the concrete poured within the form and an inside surface for forming the edge of the concrete poured within the form, said support comprising: a base plate defining a coplanar lower surface positionable on the top surface of the form so that said lower surface is coplanar with the subsequently finished top surface of the concrete poured within the form; locator means on said base plate selectively alignable with the inside surface of the form for locating said support on the form; at least one bushing on said base plate extending upwardly from the upper surface of said base plate and located a predetermined distance from said locator means; a passage defined through said bushing and said base plate; a wall across the upper end of said bushing closing said passage; at least one slot defined through the side wall of said bushing and communicating with said passage; and, a resilient clip including a pad selectively extendable through said slot and into said passage to grip an anchor bolt extending into said passage and retain the anchor bolt in said passage, said pad being constantly urged into said passage through said slot.
 4. The support of claim 3 wherein said bushing defines a pair of opposed slots through the side wall of said bushing and communicating with sAid passage, and wherein said clip includes a pair of pads, one of said pads extendable through each of slots to grip the anchor bolt therebetween, the natural resiliency of said clip constantly urging said pads toward each other.
 5. The support of claim 4 wherein said clip further includes extensions connected to said pads for use in forcing said pads apart in opposition to the natural resiliency of said clip to allow said clip to be removed from said slots and release the anchor bolt in said passage. 